Serious crash on SH30 near Rotorua leaves eight injured, two flown to hospital

A serious crash near Rotorua has left multiple people injured, with two people needing to be airlifted to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash between Matahi Rd and Lake Rotomā about 10pm on Thursday.

A St John spokesperson said 12 people were assessed on the scene while police said eight were injured.

One person was flown to Waikato Hospital in critical condition, and another was flown to Tauranga Hospital in serious condition.

Two people in moderate condition were taken to Whakatāne Hospital, and another was taken to Rotorua Hospital with minor injuries.

Police said the road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit made inquiries, and reopened about 2am.